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Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve

Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan: Terrestrial, Freshwater, and Barrier Beach Habitats

2013 - 2023

June 30, 2013

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Plan Produced by:

Funding: Partners for Wildlife, USFWS

Robert R. Bryan, LF# 907 Forest Synthesis LLC 271 Harpswell Neck Road Harpswell, ME rbryan@forestsynthesis.com

Forest Synthesis LLC Forest Management, Ecology, and Certification

www.forestsynthesis.com

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Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................... 5

RESERVE MISSION AND HISTORY ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 SCOPE .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Supporting Documents ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 MANAGEMENT OF WELLS RESERVE ESTUARINE ECOSYSTEM ................................................................................................................... 7

II. OVERVIEW OF PLAN GOALS AND RESOURCES .................................................................................................................... 9

MANAGEMENT GOALS .................................................................................................................................................................... 9 CONSERVATION PRIORITY TARGETS .................................................................................................................................................... 9 PRIORITY HABITATS: CURRENT CONDITION, THREATS, AND MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................. 12

Landscape Context .............................................................................................................................................................. 12 Laudholm Beach Barrier Beach/Dune Complex .................................................................................................................. 12 Grasslands (Fields) .............................................................................................................................................................. 13 Current Condition ................................................................................................................................................................ 13 Shrubland and Other Early Successional Habitats .............................................................................................................. 14 Forest .................................................................................................................................................................................. 15 Freshwater Ecosystems ....................................................................................................................................................... 16

III. INTEGRATED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ............................................................................................................................ 18

INTEGRATED PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS ...................................................................................................................................... 18 INTEGRATED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TARGETED ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................................... 19

Shrublands and other Early Successional Habitats ............................................................................................................. 19 Grasslands/Fields ................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Mossy Bog ........................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Yankee Woodlot .................................................................................................................................................................. 21 Other Forest Areas .............................................................................................................................................................. 22 Laudholm Beach Barrier Beach/Dune Complex .................................................................................................................. 22 Invasive Plant Control ......................................................................................................................................................... 22 Deer Management .............................................................................................................................................................. 25

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................................................................................ 25 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................................. 25

IV. EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PLANS ................................................................................................................................ 26

EDUCATION ................................................................................................................................................................................. 26 RESEARCH ................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

V. MONITORING .................................................................................................................................................................. 28

RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Incorporating Monitoring Data into Plan Updates ............................................................................................................. 29 GIS and Map Updates ......................................................................................................................................................... 29

VI. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 30

VIII. REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................................. 31

APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 32

APPENDIX I. MAPS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Integrated Plan Overview Map ........................................................................................................................................... 33 Priority Habitats Map ......................................................................................................................................................... 34 Wetlands and Other Aquatic Habitats Map ....................................................................................................................... 35 Forest Management Schemes Map .................................................................................................................................... 36 New England Cottontail Habitat Management Map .......................................................................................................... 37 Field and Shrubland Management Map ............................................................................................................................. 38 Forest Management Map ................................................................................................................................................... 39

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Invasive Plant Conditions Map............................................................................................................................................ 40 Invasive Plant Control Priorities Map.................................................................................................................................. 41

APPENDIX II. MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE: 2012-2022 ......................................................................................................... 42 APPENDIX III. SHRUBLAND AND FIELD MANAGEMENT TABLE ................................................................................................................ 47 APPENDIX IV. INVASIVE PLANT TREATMENTS .................................................................................................................................... 48 APPENDIX V. ACTIVITY PLAN TEMPLATE – FOREST, SHRUB, AND FIELD HABITATS ..................................................................................... 50 APPENDIX VI. ACTIVITY PLAN TEMPLATE – HERBICIDE USE FOR INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL ........................................................................ 52 APPENDIX VII. HERBICIDE USE MONITORING FORM ........................................................................................................................... 54

List of Tables Table 1. Priority Habitats and Focal Species ............................................................................................................... 10 Table 2. Summary of Reference Plans by Habitat Type ............................................................................................. 11 Table 3. Summary of Priority Habitat Types .............................................................................................................. 17 Table 4. Monitoring Recommendations .................................................................................................................... 28

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I. Introduction The objective of this plan is to integrate the forest, shrubland and open field plans (referred to hereafter as the “technical plans”) that currently exist for the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve (Wells Reserve) into a single unified plan (Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan, or Integrated Plan) containing specific conservation actions and a timeline for executing them. This will allow the Wells Reserve to have a seamless document that will outline habitat management actions, be a reference for management grant applications and enable scheduling of these tasks in the most cost efficient way possible. References to the Wells Reserve Management plan will also be included. The Integrated Plan is an integrated summary of the three technical plans applicable to the non-estuarine areas of the Reserve, but does not include all information that is currently included in the technical plans. Dune and barrier beach habitats, for which no technical written plan exists, are also included. The Integrated Plan refers the reader to the technical plans and other resources for additional materials as needed. One of the objectives of this plan is to serve as a template for other Maine conservation organizations. The plan will generally follow the guidelines of Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation developed by the Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP). However, because the three technical plans that are the basis for the Integrated Plan have already been developed, many of the steps described in “Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation” have already been implemented. The Integrated Plan and its development cover Steps 1a through 3b of the CMP Open Standards. Step 3c (implementation of the plan), analysis of monitoring data, and use of the results for adaptive management and education (Steps 4-5) will be referenced in the Integrated Plan but will occur after the INRP is complete.

Reserve Mission and History

VISION: Resilient estuaries and coastal watersheds where coastal communities and ecosystems thrive.

MISSION: The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve is dedicated to protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of Maine through integrated research, stewardship, environmental learning, and community partnerships.

The Wells Reserve was designated a National Estuarine Research Reserve by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 1984. The Wells Reserve is the only NERR in Maine and one of two NERRs located in NOAA’s Acadian Biogeographic Region. It is situated on the southern Maine coast, and comprises 2,250 acres of upland fields and forests, riparian areas, salt marshes, dunes, beaches, and submerged lands within the watersheds of the Little River, Webhannet River, and Ogunquit River. The Reserve consists of Parcels of conserved land owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Town of Wells, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Wells Reserve Management Authority. In addition to the conservation land, the Wells Reserve includes two building campuses that support the Reserve’s mission: 1) Laudholm Farm, a cluster of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, that serves as the center for visitors and for the research, education, and stewardship programs; and 2) the Alheim Commons, a property that includes two facilities that house visiting scientists, educators, and resource managers.

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Scope

Geographic area:

This plan covers the non-estuarine area of the reserve that is included in the forest, shrubland, and open-field plans, as well as the beach, dune, and back-dune habitats on Drakes Island (see Maps section of this report).

Resources addressed include:

Common and rare plants and natural communities.

Wildlife and wildlife habitats, including rare, threatened and endangered species and habitats for other focal species and species guilds of interest

Plant and forest successional stages.

Freshwater aquatic habitats, including streams and vernal pools, freshwater wetlands, and floodplains above mean high water.

Beach and Dune/Back-dune System Time frame:

2013-2023 for operational components of the plans; longer-term (> 10 year) objectives will be summarized where described in the technical plans.

Supporting Documents The following technical plans and other documents have been used to develop the Integrated Plan.

Document Date Planning Period

Comments

Wells Reserve Plans

Forest Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations

2011 2012-2021

Referred to as the “Forest Plan” in this document. This technical plan covers all forested areas of the Wells Reserve, and includes recommendations for active demonstration forestry at the Yankee Woodlot, invasive species control and other forest restoration activities, and New England cottontail habitat development with forested areas.

Open Field Management Plan – Resource Management Advisory Committee

ca 2002 (undated)

This is a 3-page scanned document.

Fifteen-Year Habitat Management Plan for New England Cottontail at Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve (referred to as the “NEC Plan”)

2010

Referred to in this plan as the “NEC Plan”, it includes maps and narrative descriptions of NEC habitat management in shrubland and field areas. The areas and management recommendations included in this plan are the same as those in the NRCS Wildlife Habitat Incentive Plan (WHIP) and Wells Reserve’s WHIP Field Tasks Excel Workbook (see below).

WHIP Field Tasks 2011

update 2008-2022

Spreadsheet with planned NRCS Field and Shrub management activities

NRCS WHIP Contract 2008 2008-2022

NRCS contract document detailing practices, year, and payment amount by location.

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Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan 2013-2018

2013 Draft

2013-2018

Overall plan for the Reserve, including strategic plans, administration, facilities needs and management, public access education and outreach, research, management and stewardship, and acquisition.

Site Profile of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve

2006

Description of the Wells Reserve land use history, ecological setting (physical and biological), human influences research, hand monitoring. Also includes generalized management recommendations for each subject area.

Project Canopy Tree Planting Grant 2012 2013 2012 grant for access road planting

Project canopy Education Grant 2012 grant for Yankee Woodlot educational trail, signs, and brochure

Other Plans and Supporting Documents

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment

2007 2007-2022

Rachel Carson NWR CCP was approved in 2007. The CCP guides management decisions and actions on the Refuge for a 15-year period and covers both estuarine and non-estuarine ecosystems on the NWR. The Wells Reserve INRP includes two Rachel Carson NWR tracts.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Habitat Management Plan, Draft 1/2013

2013 Draft

2011-20126

The HMP is a step-down plan of the CCP. Habitat goals and objectives are incorporated in both the CCP and HMP. This plan focuses specifically on habitat management and restoration within the NWR. While written the Rachel Carson NWR, the habitat management goals and strategies of the HMP are highly relevant to on non-NWR lands

covered by the Wells Reserve Integrated Plan.

See the Appendices for additional data sources and documents not listed above.

Management of Wells Reserve Estuarine Ecosystem Wells Reserve Estuarine Ecosystem Research, education, management, and other conservation activities within the estuarine ecosystem are addressed in the Wells Reserve 2013-2018 Management Plan, The Rachel Carson NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (CCP), and the Rachel Carson NWR Habitat Management Plan (HMP). The Integrated Plan focuses on the non-estuarine ecosystems within the Wells Reserve and supports the mission and goals of the NERR System and Wells Reserve’s goals identified in the 2013-2018 Management Plan, as follows:

Underlying the Integrated Plan and supporting technical plans are core goals of protecting water quality and maintaining healthy and functional terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. These non-estuarine systems buffer the estuarine ecosystems processes and wildlife habitats, and together with the estuarine system form a health and functional coastal landscape. This directly supports the goal of a stable environment.

Maintaining and restoring a natural landscape context for the estuarine systems provides opportunities for public education and interpretation that are not available in more developed areas.

The Integrated Plan includes areas that may be used for research by Wells Reserve and other organizations.

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Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge Rachel Carson NWR owns and manages 1428 acres of estuarine habitat located within the boundary of the Wells Reserve. The Rachel Carson NWR CCP includes goals objectives, and strategies for barrier beach, estuarine, freshwater, and upland terrestrial systems found within the Refuge. The Rachel Carson NWR HMP focuses more specifically on management of wildlife habitats within the refuge. Rachel Carson NWR staff members have been involved in all of the technical plans included in the Integrated Plan, including both refuge and non-refuge lands covered by the Integrated Plan. The Integrated Plan supports the Rachel Carson NWR objectives for the refuge’s focal species and habitats of concern (see Rachel Carson NWR HMP, Tables 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, and 3-4) as well as overall goals for ecosystem health.

Rachel Carson NWR High Priority Habitats addressed by this plan:

Dune grassland, beach

Freshwater wetlands: scrub shrub wetland, vernal pool, forested wetland

Shrubland

Oak-Pine Forest Rachel Carson NWR Moderate Priority Habitats addressed by this plan:

Freshwater rivers

Grasslands

Integrated Plan goals and management actions benefit Rachel Carson NWR focal species found within these habitats (see HMP Table 3-4). Salt marshes and tidal rivers are also Rachel Carson NWR priority habitats. These habitats and associated focal species will benefit the Integrated Plan’s goals of water quality protection by buffering estuarine habitats from human disturbance.

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II. Overview of Plan Goals and Resources

Management Goals Management goals are long-term conditions or outcomes that guide overall management and lead to specific conservation priority targets and objectives. Wells Reserve has identified the following goals that are common to the Integrated Plan:

Maintain, enhance and restore native ecosystem health,

Protect water resources.

Identify, maintain and enhance priority habitats associated with focal species.

Reduce the impact of invasive species.

Accommodate shifts in climate.

Enhance the public’s natural and educational experience by providing natural habitats to visit, demonstrating sound management practices, and conveying information about conservation and management of coastal ecosystems.

Conservation Priority Targets Conservation priority targets are ecosystem elements that are the focus of management. In this plan, conservation priority targets include both priority habitats and focal species that have been identified in the technical plans and other supporting documents. Wells Reserve Priority Habitats and Focal Species Priority Habitats. Six broad priority habitat types are addressed by the Integrated Plan:

dune/beach

shrublands (including old fields)

grasslands (primary fields)

forest

freshwater wetlands and associated habitats

freshwater river Focal Species. Achieving Wells Reserve goals, including managing for biological diversity, integrity, and environmental health can be addressed through the habitat requirements of "focal species" or species that may represent guilds that are highly associated with important attributes or conditions within habitat types. By managing for the habitat needs of these species, other species associated with these habitat types will also benefit. Priority habitats and focal species are those identified in Wells Reserve technical plans and supporting documents and the Rachel Carson NWR Habitat Management Plan (HMP). These are summarized in the following table and shown on the Wells Reserve Priority Habitats Map.

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Table 1. Priority Habitats and Focal Species

Habitat Type Wells Reserve Technical

Plan Focal Species1 Rachel Carson NWR

Focal Species2 Examples of Other Benefiting

Species2

Dune grassland, Beach

Piping plover Least tern3

Piping plover Least tern

Semi-palmated sandpiper Willet

Roseate tern, common tern, arctic tern, purple sandpiper, other migrating shorebirds (black-bellied plover, buff-breasted sandpiper, dunlin, Hudsonian and marbled godwits, red knot, ruddy turnstone, sanderling, semi-palmated sandpiper, short-billed dowitcher, whimbrel, white-rumped sandpiper), rare plants: sea beach sedge, beach plum

Shrubland/old field

American woodcock New England cottontail4

New England cottontail Eastern towhee Prairie warbler

Willow flycatcher, American woodcock, blue-winged warbler, brown thrasher, eastern kingbird, field sparrow, gray catbird, fruit-eating fall migrants

Grassland/field Bobolink

Meadowlark Monarch butterfly5

Bobolink Eastern meadowlark, horned lark

Forest: Oak-pine forest, Northern hardwood-mixed conifer forest

Hermit thrush, wood thrush, barred owl, black-throated green warbler,

fisher4

Scarlet tanager

Wood thrush

Black-billed cuckoo

Baltimore oriole, rose-breasted grosbeak, black & white warbler, black-throated-green warbler, broad-winged hawk, Cooper’s hawk, eastern wood pewee, great-crested flycatcher, little brown bat, eastern pippistrelle, southern flying squirrel, rare plants: white wood aster, sassafras

Freshwater: Scrub shrub wetland, Vernal pool, Forested wetland, Intermittent stream

Wood frog Spotted salamander,

Wood turtle4

Blanding’s turtle

Willow flycatcher Marsh wren

Blue-spotted salamander, spotted turtle, wood turtle, wood duck, Canada warbler, red-shouldered hawk, New England cottontail, bats, rare plants: joe-pye-weed, slender blue flag iris, pale green orchids

Freshwater river Wood duck

Wood turtle4 Wood turtle

American eel Louisiana water thrush

Table footnotes: 1. Includes those species listed in Wells Reserve technical plans or other Wells Reserve resource plans. 2. Source: Rachel Carson NWR Habitat Management Plan, 1/ 2013. Because the Rachel Carson NWR focal species were based on a plan with a range of habitats and species occurrences greater than found on Wells Reserve, not all Rachel Carson NWR focus species are likely to be found on Wells Reserve (for example, Blandings Turtle and Prairie Warbler). Bird species are priority species identified in the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, BCR Region 30. Many of these species are also listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Maine Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. 3. Wells Reserve Site Profile (2006) 4. Forest Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendation (Bryan 2011)

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5. Open Field Management Plan (2002), Wells Reserve Site Profile (2006). Table 2. Summary of Reference Plans by Habitat Type

Habitat Key Reference Plans

Dune grassland, Beach, Rachel Carson NWR HMP 2013 draft

Maritime shrubland and back-dune forest

Forest Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations (Bryan 2011)

Grasslands, Fields, and Shrublands

Open Field Management Plan (2002)

Wells Reserve 2013-2018 Management Plan (draft)

NRCS WHIP Plan

Fifteen-Year Habitat Management

Plan for New England Cottontail at Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve (2010)

Forest Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations (Bryan 2011). Specifically, refer to the NEC Habitat Enhancement section, which identifies specific habitat patches to be created within the general areas labeled 2aWHIP and 2bWHIP of the WHIP and NEC plans.

Rachel Carson NWR HMP 2013 (draft)

Forest Forest Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations (Bryan

2011)

Rachel Carson NWR HMP 2013 (draft)

Freshwater wetlands, vernal pools, and intermittent streams

Forest Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations (Bryan 2011)

Wells Reserve Site Profile (Dionne et al. 2006)

Freshwater river

Forest Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations; riparian area recommendations (Bryan 2011)

Rachel Carson NWR HMP 2013 (draft)

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Priority Habitats: Current Condition, Threats, and Management

Landscape Context The area encompassed by the Wells Reserve Integrated Plan includes approximately 370 acres of forest, field and shrubland plus the shrubland plus the adjacent freshwater areas of the Little River (

Table 3). Tidal marshes of the Little River and Webhannet River estuaries are located northeast, east, and southeast of the Integrated Plan area. The upland and freshwater wetlands of the Integrated Plan function to conserve the ecological integrity of the tidal marshes by buffering the marshes from the impacts associated with human activities. Low-elevation forest and shrubland within the Integrated Plan area may serve as a location for landward migration of tidal marshes associated with predicted sea level rise. Drakes Island is a barrier beach/dune complex located immediately seaward of these tidal marshes. Most of Drakes Island is densely developed, but the undeveloped northern end is included in the Integrated Plan area. The Wells Reserve Integrated Plan area is located in a landscape with several large forest patches (>500 acres in size) to the north, northwest, and west. Some areas within these blocks are protected by Rachel Carson NWR. While development along the Route 1 corridor and other roads affects movement of wildlife, the amount of forest in the landscape likely contributes to the presence of species typically associated with large patches of forest. Examples of these species observed during the 2011 forest assessment include black-throated green warbler, very, and hermit thrush. Species such as the northern goshawk, which typically nests in blocks of forest several hundred to thousands of acres of size, are unlikely to nest in the Wells Reserve forest, but may use the area seasonally. More extensive development is located to the southwest along the Route 1 corridor. The forest and shrubland areas provide important resting and feeding habitat for birds that follow the coastline during migration. During these seasons location is more important than forest patch size. New England cottontail, a Wells Reserve focal species of shrubland habitats, occurs at Wells Reserve but is isolated from other populations and other potential restoration areas by extensive, relatively-mature forest and developed areas.

Laudholm Beach Barrier Beach/Dune Complex Current Condition Laudholm Beach includes an open sand beach with open-ocean intertidal habitat; Amophyla-dominated dune grasslands, maritime shrub grasslands, and a pitch pine/red maple back dune forest. Laudholm Beach is one of the few undeveloped sand beaches remaining in Maine (Wells Reserve 2013). Focal species include piping plover and least tern. It provides similar habitat to Crescent Surf Beach, directly north of it which The Rachel Carson NWR HMP describes as follows: Crescent Surf Beach is within this area and usually supports the largest concentration of nesting least terns in Maine. Up to 8 pairs of federally threatened piping plovers have nested on the beach and it is a staging area for the federally endangered roseate tern. Many other species benefit from this habitat type.

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Threats Direct threats to focal wildlife and associated species include disturbance of nesting and foraging birds by humans and dogs, and native predators. Vegetated habitats are threatened by invasive plants, notably bush honeysuckle and rugosa rose; currently these are in localized patches or occur infrequently throughout. Vegetation loss due to human use, especially near the access point is also a concern (Wells Reserve 2007 plan, p. 94). Erosion of the southwest end of the beach is associated with the jetty at the Wells Harbor (Wells Reserve 2007 plan, p. 94); this and the seawalls on the developed portion of Drakes Island are a likely threat to the long-term dynamics of the barrier beach system. Long-term sea level rise is a threat to this habitat type. General Management Strategy The Wells Reserve 2013-2018 Management Plan identifies this as a Conservation Zone where the management regime is intended to maintain relatively natural conditions. The Wells Reserve 2013-2018 draft plan does not include management recommendations for the Laudholm Beach/Dune complex. The 2007 Management Plan references possible restoration of dune near the access point. This project was implemented but the planting failed. The 2007 plan also mentions the need for research and management to address the impacts of the Wells Harbor jetties. Least tern and piping plover nesting season monitoring and nest site protection is carried out by Rachel Carson, and there is a Beach Management Agreement with the Town of Wells. The Wells Reserve forest plan classifies the shrublands and back-dune forest as “Forever Wild” (see 2011 Forest Plan, Management Schemes, page 2 and dune area description, page 65), with management activities limited to control of invasive plants which is addressed in the invasive plant section of this report.

Grasslands (Fields) Current Condition The fields at Wells Reserve are a relic of Laudholm Farm’s agricultural history and include a mixture of native and non-native plants. Periodic mowing (generally every other year) after the bird nesting season has been used to maintain optimal habitat for breeding bobolinks, meadowlarks, and for monarch butterflies. The fields at Wells Reserve provide habitat for grassland birds and insects not found elsewhere on the Reserve and generally limited in extent in southwestern Maine. Located adjacent to shrublands managed for New England cottontail (NEC), the field edges provide foraging habitat for NEC and other edge species. Threats Encroachment by invasive plants is the greatest threat to Wells Reserve’s grassland habitats. Current (2010) infestation levels are moderate, and include bush honeysuckles, sheep sorrel, and Japanese barberry. Management Strategy The Wells Reserve 2013-2018 management plan identifies this as an Active Management Zone where the management regime is intended to maintain the visual appeal, historical value, and ecological significance of the fields. Current field plans call for mowing and prescribed burning to protect and improve habitat for grassland nesting birds, including bobolink and meadowlark, and promote milkweed for the monarch butterfly (RCWMR HMP 2013 draft). Some field areas will no longer be mowed as directed by the 2010 NEC Plan. Mowing is the principal method to control invasive plants, with spot herbicide treatments used in no-mow areas included in the NEC plan.

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Shrubland and Other Early Successional Habitats Current Condition Shrublands broadly defined included upland types associated with old fields and field edges, scrub-shrub wetland communities, and maritime shrublands located in the Laudholm Beach dune complex. Encroaching shrub cover type dominated by alder, choke cherry, and other shrubs are found within the general boundary of the field areas. Upland shrub habitats adjacent to major fields are characterized by choke cherry, apple, hawthorn, goldenrods, bristly raspberry, and grasses. Invasive plants range from moderate to dense. These are successional habitats that will tend to revert to forest cover types over time without active management intervention. South of the main fields these old field habitats transition into a forest shrub complex with a dense understory of invasive plants dominated by bush honeysuckles and Japanese barberry. Wetland shrub types are located in transitional areas between forests and salt marshes and other open wetlands. The wetland shrub communities typically have a light canopy of red maple and other trees and more dense understory of speckled alder, winterberry, maleberry, and high-bush blueberry, cinnamon fern and sedges. Detailed maps and stand descriptions of shrublands are included in the Forest Plan, Non-Productive Forest Lands and Other Cover Types section. “Mossy Bog”. The Early Successional Habitat plan includes a no-mow area informally referred to as “the bog” by Wells Reserve staff. This area was mowed until very recently and is characterized by a mixture of sedges, grasses, and short shrubs. This area is a wetland and has mineral soils, whereas true bogs have deep organic soils. However, it has some plants associated with bogs including sphagnum moss, cranberry, cotton grass, and several species of wild orchid, including nodding ladies tresses and dragon mouth, which are similar to the “mossy bog lawn” plant community classified by the Maine Natural Areas Program. Also located in this area are two uncommon species (slender blue flag and pale green orchid) known to occur in the wet field area adjacent to Stand 25 (S. Bickford, per. com. 8/30/2011). This area is known to support special insect populations such as the bog skipper and may include the Quebec Emerald dragonfly.

Scientific Name Common Name State Rank Global Rank State Status

Iris prismatica Slender blue flag S2 G4G5 T

Platanthera flava Pale green orchid S2 G4T4Q SC

State Rank

S2: Imperiled in Maine because of rarity (6-20 occurrences or few remaining individuals or acres) or because of other factors making it vulnerable to further decline.

Global Rank G4: Apparently secure globally. G5: Demonstrably secure globally.

State Status T: THREATENED; Rare and, with further decline, could become endangered; or federally listed as Threatened. (State legal status) SC: SPECIAL CONCERN; Rare in Maine, based on available information, but not sufficiently rare to be considered Threatened or Endangered. (non-legal status)

Note: State legal status is according to 5 M.R.S.A. 13076-13079, which mandates the Department of Conservation to

produce and biennially update the official list of Maine's Endangered and Threatened plants. The list is derived by a

technical advisory committee of botanists who use data in the Maine Natural Areas Program's database to recommend status changes to the Department of Conservation.

Threats Most areas mapped as shrubland will eventually succeed to forest unless there is management intervention through periodic mowing (e.g., brush hog or larger mechanized equipment). True wetland scrub-shrub types may be the exception. Most of the shrublands outside of the field boundaries have moderate to severe infestations of invasive shrubs, which in some cases impede succession but also prevent establishment and maintenance of

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native plants. Climate change is likely to affect the competitiveness of some native plants. Increase in sea level associated with climate change is likely to result in loss of scrub-shrub wetlands at the salt marsh fringe. Mossy Bog: Encroachment by invasive plants is a concern, especially under a no-mow status. There is a high probability that succession to shrubs under a no-mow regime could result in the loss of the rare plants at this site and other plants not present elsewhere on Wells Reserve. General Management Strategy The primary goal is to manage upland and some drier scrub-shrub wetland, and some old field areas for New England cottontail (see WHIP/NEC plan and New England cottontail recommendations in Forest Plan). This will include a variety of treatments including periodic brush mowing, control of invasive plants, and planting shrubs. Outside of habitat patches specifically managed for New England cottontail, management will include control of invasive shrubs where feasible. Mossy Bo. The goal is to prevent tall shrubs and other woody species not associated with bog habitats from invading the site and to maintain the open/low shrub conditions favored by the bog species that are present. Per recommendations of Don Cameron of the Maine Natural Areas Program (March 4, 2013), control of shrubs could include periodic mowing during dry periods and/or hand brush cutting.

Forest Current Condition There are approximately 185 acres of forest in the Integrated Plan area. This includes a mixture of upland pine-oak forest types and extensive wetland forests dominated by red maple and mixed conifers (principally red spruce and white pine). Also included within the “forest” areas are old field, shrub and sapling patches adjacent to the fields and surrounding salt marshes (see Forest Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations, Cover Type and Forest Stand Map (see Map section of this plan). The forest areas surround the large fields that form the central area of the upland portion of Laudholm Farm. The farm has been settled by Europeans since the 1600’s, with commercial farming continuing until 1925 (Dionne et al., eds., 2006). Species composition, age and physical structure of the forest stands indicate that most of the forest was cleared pasture and field 100 years ago or less. Some areas were open field as little as 50 years ago, including parts of the Yankee Woodlot, young forest stands near the beginning of the Muskie Trail, and the shrublands south of the fields along the road to Laudholm Beach. Farm woodlot areas that may not have been fully cleared include portions of the Rachel Carson 2 lot and Skinner Mill 1 parcels. A demonstration harvest in the Yankee Woodlot occurred in 2012, but otherwise there is no evidence of recent timber harvesting. Threats Invasive plants are the major current threat. In some areas, particularly south of the main fields, invasive shrubs are so thick that natural succession to forest is being blocked, and in other areas with a forest canopy natural forest regeneration is being inhibited. Invasive insects are a potential concern. There is almost no hemlock in the forest, so hemlock wooly adelgid is not a concern. Other invasive insects are more cyclical in nature (e.g., gypsy moth, winter moth, brown tail moth) and the Wells Reserve forest should be able to recover from infestations if they occur. Climate change is a long-term threat, notably for cool-climate species such as red spruce and yellow birch. Climate change could also increase the threat of invasive plants and invasive insects. Warmer temperatures will stress some plants making them more susceptible to attack, and lower ecosystem stability will provide more opportunities for invasive plants to become established. Warmer temperatures will also allow some

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invasive species that are more aggressive to the south (e.g. Japanese stiltgrass and hemlock wooly adelgid) to spread north and to become more robust. General Management Strategy Wells Reserve has developed four Forest Management Schemes that will be applied to different areas of the

forest (see Forest Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations and Forest Management Schemes

map in this report).

Yankee Woodlot: This is an educational demonstration area for small woodlot owners who want to

manage their lands for various values, including recreation, aesthetics, wildlife, water quality, personal

forest products, and commercial forest products. Includes both actively managed uplands and natural

forest zone in the Little River floodplain. The woodlot is also the site for general and K-12 educational

programs that focus on forest management and stewardship.

Active Management: Areas designated for active management for specific objectives, such as early

successional forest, to encourage specific suites of trees and plants, or to establish wildlife food plots.

Invasive species will be suppressed but may not be eliminated. Public access, education, and research will

be permitted. Active management areas are primarily shrubland and early successional forest areas

adjacent to the fields.

Natural Forest: Natural forest areas will be managed to restore mature New England coastal forest

habitat. To the extent feasible, invasive plants will be eliminated or controlled. Possible non-commercial

vegetation cutting will be allowed to enable movement toward the habitat goal. Public access, education,

and research will be permitted.

Forever Wild: The primary goal is to minimize human impacts. Natural ecosystem processes will be

allowed to progress as they will. No plant or animal management will occur, with the possible exception

of invasive species control and the steps necessary to protect the health and safety of visitors. Education,

research, and public access will be allowed but will be minimized and avoided if possible.

The forest plan includes management recommendations targeted toward priority habitats and species. Most of

the forest area will be managed for forest interior habitat and protection of wetlands, riparian areas, and vernal

pools. A small area of the forest will be managed for New England cottontail and other early successional species.

Freshwater Ecosystems Current Condition Freshwater ecosystems within the Integrated Plan area include forested and scrub-shrub wetlands, vernal pools, intermittent streams, and the Little River. These areas are described in greater detail in the Forest Plan. Threats Invasive plants and climate change are the greatest threats to freshwater ecosystems. Threats to the Little River beyond the Integrated Plan area have not been addressed. Rising sea level associated with climate change

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threatens low-lying forested wetlands and scrub-shrub wetlands. However, as noted earlier, these areas provide a place for landward migration of salt marshes as sea level rises. General Management Strategy Portions of the freshwater ecosystems are protected by the Town of Wells Shoreland Zoning Ordinance. Where management is planned in or near one of these ecosystems, protection of water quality and aquatic habitats takes precedence over other management objectives. Specific management recommendations for activities near water are included in the Forest Plan.

Table 3. Summary of Priority Habitat Types

Habitat Type Description Area (acres)

Beach Un-vegetated beach, including intertidal 7.6

Dune grassland Non-shrubby dune areas 5.7

Shrubland Upland shrubland, scrub-shrub wetlands, and maritime (back

dune) shrublands 94.2

Old Field No-mow field areas 12.6

Grassland Fields mowed periodically (typically every two years) with

specific wildlife habitat objectives 52.9

Forest

All forest areas with >30% canopy density. More complete forest type descriptions and wetland/upland breakdown are

included in Bryan 2011. 185.2

Freshwater River

Little River from US Rt. 1 to approximate head of tide 4.7

Open Field mowed once or more time annually in Campus area 10.8

Developed Core campus area 2.8

Plan Total Area 376.4

Overlay Habitats

The following priority habitats are displayed in this plan as overlay layers that intersect with other mapped priority

habitats (see Priority Habitats Maps). The listed area (where applicable) is the overlay area.

Freshwater wetlands

Forest and scrub wetlands 172

Vernal pools

Vernal pools are fishless ponds, typically seasonal, that provide habitat for obligate species including spotted salamander, blue spotted salamander, wood frog, and/or fairy shrimp. Other potential pools have been mapped by Wells Reserve, and systematic monitoring started in 2011. Obligate species have been found in all but one pool.

See map

Intermittent streams

Non-perennial streams, including drainage ditches within the forest area that were excavated to enhance crop production when these areas were field See Priority Habitats maps for

location of vernal pools and intermittent streams.

See map

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III. Integrated Implementation Plan Integrated Plan Development Process The Integrated Plan is based on several plans that were prepared under the broad umbrella of the overall Wells Reserve management plans (2007 and 2013 draft). Because the technical plans and other supporting documents were prepared at different times by different authors and committees the plans may sometimes recommend different activities in the same general area (e.g. the 2002 field plan and the later WHIP plan), or more commonly, map unit boundaries (GIS layers) are not consistent between the plans, sometimes resulting in overlap and other time gaps between the map units of the different plans. Principal objectives of this process were to:

1. Join the map unit boundaries to eliminate overlap and gaps between the forest, field, and shrub plans. 2. Identify a clear management prescription for each map unit area in cases where potential conflicts occur

between the various plans. 3. Develop a timeline showing all the management activities by year and task.

Integration Process:

1. The NEC plan map unit boundaries and prescriptions were given the highest priority in all decisions regarding boundaries and management prescriptions of the map management units in different plans. The NEC plan was given priority because the plan has contractual obligations with NRCS and the New England cottontail is listed as Endangered by the State of Maine and is a candidate species under the federal Endangered Species Act.

2. Current aerial photography and GIS were used to make minor corrections to the map units to make them consistent with the cover type boundaries and were corrected where the forest meets the shrub and field areas.

3. Overlap (generally minor) and gaps between the map units of the three principal plan areas were eliminated by adjusting the unit boundary to the cover type and boundary of the adjacent area.

4. A management prescription was developed for the remaining gaps (primarily small old field areas) that were not addressed in the underlying technical plans.

5. Draft maps and prescriptions were reviewed by a committee of Wells Reserve and Rachel Carson NWR staff. The resulting revised draft of the plan was sent to outside stakeholders for review and comment prior to completing the Integrated Plan.

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Integrated Recommendations for Targeted Activities The following section synthesizes and summarizes recommendations for the major management activities proposed in the various technical plans. Readers should refer to the Management Activities Schedule (see Appendices) for specific management activities and the supporting technical plans for specific details on management prescriptions.

Shrublands and other Early Successional Habitats Shrubland and early successional management areas are shown on the New England Cottontail Management Areas and Field and Adjacent Shrubland Management Areas maps (see appendices). Management activities are summarized below. The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program for New England Cottontail plan (WHIP/NEC plan). This plan prescribes management activities to enhance New England cottontail habitat over a 15-year period. These include allowing some fields to revert to early successional habitats, brush-hogging some areas maintain shrubland and regenerating forest conditions, planting shrubs, controlling invasive plants, releasing apple trees from invasives, and felling trees potentially used by avian predators. The WHIP/NEC plan and narrative describes in detail the sequence of management activities for each New England cottontail habitat patch. This plan was reviewed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW), which found that the plan “would not likely negatively affect Maine’s Endangered New England cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus transitionalis) population, and that lands managed in this manner would likely benefit a number of early successional shrubland wildlife species, including the New England cottontail” (George Matula Jr., MIDFW, letter to Paul Dest, Wells Reserve, 3/2/2010). The WHIP/NEC plan is a USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) contract document that lists the tasks, amounts (acres or other units), schedule, and payment rates for management within the habitat patches described in the plan. The location of all activities was clearly mapped in the WHIP/NEC plans, with the exception of areas 2aWHIP, 2bWHIP. Areas 2a WHIP and 2b WHIP include approximately 50 acres of old field and shrubland. The NEC/WHIP plans propose to convert 6 acres of this area to actively managed New England cottontail habitat patches by setting the successional process to an early stage and implementing other management activities described above. The specific locations of the habitat patches were not identified in the NEC/WHIP plans. The locations of these patches were subsequently identified in the 2011 Forest Plan. The number and location of the patches and patch sizes may be adjusted as needed to meet the goal of three patches totaling at least 6 acres. The Forest Plan cautions that the extent of wetland shown on the map is approximate, subject to additional field verification. Prior to clearing, the extent of wetlands within all patches should be verified and boundaries modified as necessary to avoid wetland impacts. Regulatory issues, principally Town of Wells Shoreland Zoning, have been resolved by having wildlife management activities added to the list of permissible activities. Secondary New England Cottontail Patches. The Forest Plan also identifies several other “secondary” New England cottontail patches in other forest areas that could be developed by Wells Reserve and Rachel Carson NWR. These are considered optional activities and are not included in the WHIP/NEC plans. These areas are located in forested or mixed forest-scrub-shrub wetlands, but tree and shrub cutting only and no soil disturbance

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is planned. However, Wells Shoreland Zoning standards apply. Wells Reserve will consult with MDIFW and USFWS before management within any secondary New England cottontail patch areas. Partners for Wildlife. Early successional habitat management practices are being funded in the area identified as PFW-1 on the New England Cottontail management map and on the Field and Adjacent Shrubland Management Areas map (see appendices). These practices are being partially funded by grants from the US Fish and Wildlife Service “Partners for Wildlife” project. Management practices include activities such as wattle planting, bare root and container plantings and mechanical removal of invasive plants. The New England Cottontail Habitat Management Map in this plan for an integrated map that includes all the information referenced above.

Grasslands/Fields The basic field management regime for the named fields is to mow every other year. Integration issues identified:

Many of the WHIP/NEC management areas are located within named fields, but these areas are not clearly delineated on the ground. Some areas designated no-mow under the WHIP/NEC plans and some planted areas have been inadvertently mowed.

Several old field and hedgerow areas are not included in the field, WHIP/NEC, or forest plans or the New England cottontail management plan approved by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife with funding support from the Partners for Wildlife program of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. A description of these areas and recommended management is included below:

Map Unit Area

(acres) Comment

Recommended Management

PFW-1 1.43

Recent activities include shrub planting and mechanical removal of invasive plants (see Shrublands and other Early Successional Habitats section above.

No mow to support New England cottontail management. Continue early successional management activities. Monitor for and control invasive plants.

Mossy Bog

5.07 Designated “No mow” in field plan but no other management or goal is referenced.

Control encroachment of tall, non-bog shrubs - see “Mossy Bog” section below

OF-1 0.32 Northeast corner of Lord 1 Field (garden area). Included in Lord 1 but is not being mowed.

Maintain as old-field patch and/or garden. Monitor for and control invasive plants.

OF-2 2.25

Old field area southwest of Monarch Field.

Maintain as old field/young shrub habitat with long interval (5-10years) between brush mowing to support New England cottontail management. Monitor for and control invasive plants.

SH-1 0.34

Hedgerow between Lord 1 and Laudholm Beach Road.

Manage in conjunction with adjacent shrub area 10a (See New England cottontail secondary patches and invasive plant treatment schedule.

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SH-2 0.44

Island in Monarch Field Manage in conjunction with Area 1 of the WHIP/New England cottontail management plan and control invasive shrubs.

--- --- Area northwest of barn owned by Wells Reserve and life estate north/northeast of barn.

Continue current management per agreement with landowner.

Next Steps: o Update the field plan narrative based on this Integrated Plan and include as an addendum to this

plan. o Develop a list of fields and record mowing and other management activities by year. o Use stakes and signs or other field markers to separate areas subject to special management (i.e.,

WHIP/NEC areas, mossy bog, and other shrub/old field zones) from areas subject to regular mowing.

A table of all field and shrubland management areas is included in the appendices.

Mossy Bog There was no specific management plan for this site. Per recommendations of Don Cameron of the Maine Natural Areas Program, the following recommendations have been adopted for the Integrated Plan:

Map the existing shrub line and establish a monitoring system to identify the current shrub limit, thereby defining the line beyond which bog conditions will be maintained through active management. Placing marked stakes in the field rather than relying on GPS only is recommended, as GPS has sufficient error to detect subtle encroachment of shrubs.

If as expected shrubs start to encroach, shrubs will be controlled through mowing and/or hand brush cutting (brush saw or loppers). Mowing is an option when the soil is dry or frozen. Early to mid-summer cutting after the peak of growth will result in the least sprouting. Late summer, a dry fall, or during a snowless winter with frozen ground are other options, but sprouting will be greater due to greater reserves in the root systems. Volunteers could be considered for the hand cutting option.

Yankee Woodlot The following table of activities is based on the Forest Plan. Refer to that plan for a detailed description of these activities.

Year Stands Activity Progress

2012 1,2 Yankee Woodlot harvest Completed 2012

2012-2013 3 Yankee Woodlot Stand 3 trail Completed 2012

2013 Complete Yankee Woodlot

demonstration plan and materials

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2013 1 Yankee Woodlot permanent

wildlife opening Completed 2012

2013 1,2,3 Yankee Woodlot Invasive plant

control

2013 1,2,3 Yankee Woodlot enhancement

planting

2013-2021

See description

in Forest Plan

Boundary line maintenance

2013-ongoing

Yankee woodlot Tours Ongoing

2015 1 or 2 Yankee Woodlot deer exclosure

Other Forest Areas The following table of recommended activities is based on the Forest Plan. Refer to that plan for a detailed description of these activities and in the New England Cottontail and Invasive Plants section of the Integrated Plan.

Year Stands Activity Comment

2013-2021

See description

in Forest Plan

Boundary line maintenance Place boundary markers (e.g.

signs) and clear sight path along boundaries

2013-2021 --- NEC Habitat Patches See NEC section of this

Integrated Plan

2013-2021 --- Invasive Plant Management See invasive plant section of

this Integrated Plan

Laudholm Beach Barrier Beach/Dune Complex The forest management plan includes the shrub and forest areas at Laudholm Beach. Invasive plant management is the only recommended activity (see Invasive Plant section of this Integrated Plan). Wells Reserve has assessed the invasive plant conditions of the dune grasslands and collaborates with USFWS, MDIFW, Maine Audubon, and the Town of Wells in the management of least terns and piping plovers. However, Wells Reserve has not developed a comprehensive beach/dune/back-dune management plan.

Invasive Plant Control Invasive plants have been identified as a concern in all Wells Reserve general and technical management plans. The WHIP/NEC plans have identified and secured funding for specific invasive plant treatments. The Forest plan prioritized invasive plant treatments for forest areas outside of those prescribed in the WHIP/NEC plans.

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Treatment of the priority areas described in the Forest Plan is contingent upon funding, staff availability, and/or technical assistance from other partners such as the Maine Department of Conservation. Because invasive plants are widespread, the need for treatments was prioritized as shown below. In general, areas proposed for active management in the next 10 years were prioritized over areas where no management is planned. Areas with low levels of infestation were prioritized over severe infestations because of lower treatment costs, higher probability of success, and lower future costs if these areas were allowed to go untreated.

Priority Condition

1 WHIP/NEC Invasive plant control contract areas.

Planned site disturbing activity within next 10 years, including Yankee Woodlot harvest and New England cottontail habitat patch management, and areas with very low severity of infestation.

2 Areas with low to moderate severity of infestation and New England cottontail secondary patches

3 Areas with more severe infestations

Note: See discussion on conflicts between invasive plant control and NEC management, below.

The following table summarizes proposed treatments by year. A detailed breakdown by management area is included in the appendices.

All Priority 1 and some Priority 2 areas have been scheduled. Reserve staff should review the progress of invasive plant treatments in 2016 and develop a plan to treating additional areas.

Implementation should include follow-up treatments 1-2 years after initial treatment.

Only the WHIP/NEC plan areas have funding. Wells Reserve should seek funding for additional treatments.

Wells Reserve should consider having at least one staff person licensed to apply herbicides.

Invasive plant treatment priority (acres)

Treatment Priority

2008 2012 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 TBD1 TOTAL

Priority 1

Forest 32.5 39.9 72.4

WHIP, NEC 0.6 8.9 1.5 3.6 2 2 2 20.6

Priority 1 Total 0.6 8.9 34 43.5 2 0 2 2 93

Priority 2

Forest 18.7 88.9 107.6

Priority 2 Total 0 0 0 0 0 18.7 0 0 88.9 107.6

Priority 3 0

Forest 100.2 100.2

Priority 3 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100.2 100.2

TOTAL 0.6 8.9 34 43.5 2 18.7 2 2 189.1 300.8

1. Year to be determined. Reserve staff should review the progress of invasive plant treatments in 2016 and develop a plan to treating additional areas as time and funding permits.

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Treatment Method

Non-Rachel Carson NWR Lands. Because most invasive plants sprout after cutting, the primary recommended treatment method for areas not owned by Rachel Carson NWR is spot spray with low-toxicity herbicides. In some cases mechanical treatment of brush one year prior to chemical control is recommended to minimize the amount of chemicals used. However, Wells Reserve may use volunteers to hand-pull smaller plants. This is a good maintenance technique where low density infestations occur and can be used to reduce the need for herbicides by pulling plants the year before an herbicide treatment. There are several varieties of low-toxicity herbicides that are used by organizations such as The Nature Conservancy to maintain and restore natural communities. Prior to any use of herbicides Wells Reserve should consult with a licensed applicator for treatment options best suited to the species present and conservation goals for the site. See the Forest Plan for additional details and recommendations.

Rachel Carson NWR. The use of chemical herbicides is not generally permitted on the Rachel Carson NWR, including those covered by the Integrated Plan.

Conflict between Invasive Plant Control and Early Successional Habitat Management

Many areas infested with invasive plants are also New England cottontail habitat, and if all invasive plant areas

used by New England cottontail were treated in a short period of time New England cottontail habitat would be

adversely affected in the short term and the species could possibly be extirpated from Wells Reserve. New

England cottontail conservation will take precedence over invasive plant control. The general priority proposed

for New England cottontail habitat is as follows for field, shrubland, and forest areas used by New England

cottontail:

1. First, treat invasive plants within WHIP/NEC treatment areas. These are Priority 1 areas on the Invasive

Plant Priority Map. These treatments have been reviewed and approved by MDIFW.

2. Next, treat invasive plants within any of the secondary New England cottontail patches that are to be

created. Other New England cottontail habitat mapped as Priority 2 or 3 would only be considered for

treatment after considering impacts to New England cottontail.

Recommendations and Considerations

MDIFW approval is required for treatments not in the WHIP/NEC plans planned for areas of NEC habitat.

Removal of too much cover could adversely impact New England cottontail and may actually violate the

Maine Endangered Species Act.

Wells Reserve should consult with USFWS. Invasive plant control within New England cottontail-occupied

areas should be conducted on a trial basis and evaluated before additional control is undertaken. Based

on the results of any trial controls and New England cottontail patch management, a long-term plan for

invasive plant control within New England cottontail-occupied areas of the Wells Reserve should be

developed in consultation with the wildlife agencies.

An integrated summary of all contracted and recommended treatments is included in the Appendices.

A template activity plan for invasive plant control treatments is included in the Appendices. A plan based on this template should be completed when herbicide use is planned for a specific site. The template includes a review of non-chemical alternatives, planned herbicide use, application method, and amount, and environmental and health considerations that need to be considered.

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Herbicide use should be recorded and monitored. The activity plan in the Appendices includes a template for recording monitoring information.

See the Invasive Plants and Management Practices and Recommendations sections of the Forest Plan for information on invasive plants, the rationale for prioritization and treatment, and cautions on chemical herbicide use.

Deer Management Wells Reserve has successfully reduced the white-tailed deer population and resulting browsing impacts through a controlled bow hunting program. The Reserve plans to continue the use of the bow hunt to keep pressure on the herd so they do not use the Wells Reserve as a refuge. A systematic and repeatable vegetation monitoring protocol could be used to assess impacts of deer browsing and other changes in plant communities. A deer exclosure in the Yankee Woodlot would provide educational value.

Legal Considerations

Forestry legal requirements are described in the Forest Management Plan.

Shoreland Zoning is summarized in the Forest Management Plan. Since the Forest Management Plan was

developed the Town of Wells amended its Shoreland Zoning Ordinance to allow wildlife habitat management

within the Resource Protection district at the Wells Reserve.

Consult with USFWS and MDIFW regarding Incidental Take Permits for activities that could potentially impact

New England cottontail. This would include:

o Mowing of all field, shrub, and old-field habitats not described in the MDIFW-approved New England

Cottontail Management Plan and associated approval letter from MDIFW.

o Creation of the New England cottontail Secondary Habitat patches (see Forest Plan).

o Herbicide treatments in potential NEC habitats.

Sections of the Wells Reserve between Drakes Island Road and the Little River have been designated as a

State Wildlife Sanctuary. No hunting or trapping can occur without the permission of the Wells Reserve and

the Maine Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Commission.

Management Activities Summary Management activities and timelines for forest, shrubland, and field areas are described in the technical plans. See Appendix II for a composite table that integrates the activity schedules for all three plans. This table will facilitate annual scheduling, coordinating similar activities recommended in the different plans (e.g., invasive plant control), and provide an overview of planned management. Some activities in the technical plans did not have scheduled dates (for example, invasive plant control in some areas). All activities have been scheduled where possible, or a mid-plan review date 2016-2017) has been added to schedule activities for the remainder of the plan period. Costs for many activities are rough estimates based on published sources. Actual costs will depend on final site management plans, area and intensity of management, and other factors to be considered at the time of implementation. Costs for follow-up invasive plant the treatments are nearly impossible to estimate, at the area requiring follow-up treatment and the size and density of plants to be treated cannot be determined in advance. Please refer to the preceding sections and technical plans for management details.

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IV. Education and Research Plans

The management activities in the Integrated Plan support Wells Reserve’s mission of education and research.

Education Major Wells Reserve educational activities as of 2013 are summarized below.

Laudholm Beach:

Summer intertidal zone programs (public family programs and also summer camp activities): 12/year

Earth Day beach clean-ups: 1/year

Discovery Program stops here: Multitude times per year

A picture post where periodic panoramic photos are taken and uploaded to website was located on the beach, but has been washed away. A replacement plan is pending discussion with Rachel Carson about best placement concerning the piping plover and least tern nesting site.

Upland Trails:

Variety of public programs, school programs, camps, & teacher workshops: Multitude year-round

Favorite trees include snags with woodpecker holes (especially on Saw-whet Trail), trees with sapsucker evidence (especially on Barrier Beach Road), and wolf pines (especially on Muskie Trail)

Other special plants include rare orchids in bog area (this is a highlight of our annual wildflower walk in June)

Yankee Woodlot:

Fall 2012 harvesting workshop for land trusts, conservation commissions, and landowners

Interpretive information (signs and a brochure) and public programs will be developed. Discovery Program: There are three activity booklets that take families, scout troops, and school groups on the trails of the Reserve. These trails are marked with numbered posts that have a mummichog, turkey, or porcupine on them. Trails include: Knight Trail, Barrier Beach Trail, Laird-Norton Trail, Cart Path, Saw-whet Owl Trail, & Farley Trail. Bird Banding: Bird banding occurs every Wednesday morning in the summer months, followed by saw-whet owl banding in the fall. The banding station is set up under the large copper beech tree on campus. Net locations are included in the Wells Reserve GIS. Little River Floating Lab/Dock:

Summer kayaking programs: 14/year

Exploring Estuaries school program in spring & fall: 10-20/year

Summer camps: 5-15/year Research Road Marsh:

Microscopic Marvels school program: 4/year

Summer camp activities: 5-15/year

Teachers on the Estuary workshops: 1/year

Temporary collection of mummichogs from salt pannes for school programs: 10-20 times/year

Picture posts where periodic panoramic photos are taken and uploaded to website.

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Research

A summary of research projects on the areas of the reserve include:

Maine Medical Center: Tick borne disease research on Wells Reserve property.

State of Maine Butterfly survey: butterfly species are captured by net, photographed and documented then released. Data is sent to Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologists.

Beach Profile: Volunteers collect beach transect data at a variety of points along southern Maine beaches. This effort is coordinated by one of the Wells Reserve Research Staff.

Bird Monitoring 1. SEANET: monthly monitoring of Laudholm Beach for beached/dead birds in association with Tufts

University http://www.tufts.edu/vet/seanet/ 2. Breeding Bird Survey: weekly bird survey using mist nest from Memorial Day to Labor Day as part

of the MAPS project for USGS. 3. Piping Plover/Least Tern: yearly monitoring program on Laudholm/Crescent Surf Beaches in

partnership with Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge

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V. Monitoring

Monitoring is essential to sound, long-term management. Monitoring data are necessary to track progress toward meeting goals, evaluate the success of past treatments (e.g., harvests designed to promote forest regeneration or invasive species control projects) and need for follow up, monitor for potential adverse impacts of management (e.g., soil erosion on forest access trails), and provide timely data so that the management plan can be modified to react to changing conditions. The 2006-2011 Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research and Monitoring Plan primarily

addresses estuarine habitats. For non-estuarine habitats covered by the Integrated Plan, only the forest management plan and least tern/piping plover habitats have monitoring plans.

Recommendations The following table has been adapted from the forest management plan to include monitoring recommendations for all Integrated Plan areas. Table 4. Monitoring Recommendations

Element Strongly Recommended Desirable Frequency All Areas

Wildlife Inventory

NEC monitoring Breeding bird inventory – track

observations of Integrated Plan

focal species by habitat type and location

Winter mammal tracking Owl nesting surveys Monitor other (non-focal) species as desired

Annually. Use qualified citizen scientist volunteers.

Vernal Pools Monitor presence and abundance of obligate vernal pool species (see Maine Audubon protocol) by pool

-----

Annually. Use qualified citizen scientist volunteers.

Invasive plants

Harvest sites and other areas of mechanical disturbance: check for invasive plants before activity and develop control plan if present.

----- Prior to harvests or other site disturbing activities.

Location, year, type of treatment, amount and type of chemicals used, method of application, and applicator

----- Upon completion of each treatment

Evaluate success of treatments and prescribe follow-up control as necessary.

----- 1 year after treatment, every 5 years thereafter.

Map extent and severity of invasive plants

Informal monitoring by Wells Reserve staff and volunteers

Mapping: every 10 years; Informal monitoring on an ongoing basis Landowner: ongoing

Rare Plant Inventory

Check with MNAP for updated rare plant and important wildlife habitat data.

-----

Every 10 years and prior to commercial harvest if more than one year since last update.

Other -----

Wells Reserve should obtain pertinent data from other research and monitoring that occurs in the plan area

-----

Forest

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Incorporating Monitoring Data into Plan Updates Monitoring data should be summarized on an ongoing basis and used to track effectiveness of management

activities and trends in desired habitats or focal species. The data should be reviewed on a 5-year basis to

determine if mid-course plan corrections are needed. Updated plans (e.g., every 10 years) should incorporate

monitoring results.

GIS and Map Updates

The GIS should be updated as areas are treated, including a base map with a treatment area overlay, and

attribute files to include type of treatment, date, area, etc.. This should be supplemented with narrative

summarizing outcomes.

Forest Inventory

Tree species, size and density (all trees >1 in. dbh). Focus Species Ecosystem and Development Stage. Refer to Maine Forest Service Stewardship Plan inventory requirements.

Species distribution by canopy layer (overstory, understory, ground cover) and percent cover of each layer. Shrubs, wildflowers and other herbs, ferns and bryophytes. Snags, cavity trees, and large downed woody material.

Every 10 years.

Forest Regeneration

Quantitative or qualitative monitoring designed to see if regeneration objectives are being met.

----- Within 3 years of a regeneration harvest and during forest inventory.

Erosion and sedimentation

Check roads, skid trails, water crossings, and landings.

Improved trail system

During harvest operations, 1 year after harvest (or sooner if very heavy rains) and within 3 years.

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VI. Other Recommendations

The forest plan and WHIP/NEC plans have the most comprehensive baseline information and management

recommendations for the Integrated Plan area. In developing the Integrated Plan, several opportunities for

planning and management were identified.

Laudholm Beach Barrier Beach/Dune/Back-dune Complex

Develop a comprehensive management plan. See Forest Plan for back-dune forest and shrubland recommendations.

Field Plan

Update the field plan narrative based on this Integrated Plan and include as an addendum to this plan.

Develop a list of fields and record mowing and other management activities by year.

Use stakes and signs or other field markers to separate areas subject to special management (i.e., WHIP/NEC areas, mossy bog, and other shrub/old field zones) from areas subject to regular mowing.

Invasive Plants

Secure funding for and schedule invasive plant treatments for all Priority 1 and 2 invasive plant areas.

Wells Reserve should consider having a staff member with a Maine pesticide applicator’s license so that

some invasive plant projects can be managed in-house.

Monitoring

Use the monitoring plan to develop an annual monitoring checklist.

Enlist qualified volunteers and implement monitoring recommendations for focal species in all priority

habitat types (see Monitoring section of this plan).

Develop a systematic and repeatable vegetation monitoring protocol to assess impacts of deer browsing

and other changes in plant communities.

Project-specific Operations Plans

For all activities, prior to activities a site specific work plan should be prepared referencing the

management plan tasks, adding site-specific details and site maps as needed, and addressing

potential risks. When the task is complete an update summarizing the completed activity (tables and

maps showing acres, feet, amount of product used, species treated etc. as applicable to the tasks)

should be prepared.

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VIII. References

Bryan, R.R. 2011. Forest Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations, Wells National Estuarine

Research Reserve, Wells, ME. Forest Synthesis LLC, Harpswell, ME.

Dionne, M., C. Dalton, and H. Wilhelm, editors. 2006. Site Profile of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, Wells, ME.

US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2007. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Comprehensive Conservation Plan and

Environmental Assessment.

US Fish and Wildlife Service. 2011-2013 Draft. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Habitat Management Plan.

Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. 2013 Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan

2013-2018.

Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. 2013 Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan

2007-2012.

Wells Reserve Resource Management Advisory Committee. (undated, ca 2002). Open Field Management Plan.

Boland, K., Chiapetta, D. March 2, 2010. Fifteen-Year Habitat Management Plan for New England Cottontail at

Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve.

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Appendices

APPENDIX I. MAPS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Integrated Plan Overview Map ........................................................................................................................................... 33 Priority Habitats Map ......................................................................................................................................................... 34 Wetlands and Other Aquatic Habitats Map ....................................................................................................................... 35 Forest Management Schemes Map .................................................................................................................................... 36 New England Cottontail Habitat Management Map .......................................................................................................... 37 Field and Shrubland Management Map ............................................................................................................................. 38 Forest Management Map ................................................................................................................................................... 39 Invasive Plant Conditions Map............................................................................................................................................ 40 Invasive Plant Control Priorities Map.................................................................................................................................. 41

APPENDIX II. MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE: 2012-2022 ......................................................................................................... 42 APPENDIX III. SHRUBLAND AND FIELD MANAGEMENT TABLE ................................................................................................................ 47 APPENDIX IV. INVASIVE PLANT TREATMENTS .................................................................................................................................... 48 APPENDIX V. ACTIVITY PLAN TEMPLATE – FOREST, SHRUB, AND FIELD HABITATS ..................................................................................... 50 APPENDIX VI. ACTIVITY PLAN TEMPLATE – HERBICIDE USE FOR INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL ........................................................................ 52 APPENDIX VII. HERBICIDE USE MONITORING FORM ........................................................................................................................... 54

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Appendix I. Maps

Integrated Plan Overview Map

34

Priority Habitats Map

35

Wetlands and Other Aquatic Habitats Map

36

Forest Management Schemes Map

37

New England Cottontail Habitat Management Map

38

Field and Shrubland Management Map

39

Forest Management Map

40 Invasive Plant Conditions Map

41

Invasive Plant Control Priorities Map

42

Appendix II. Management Activities Schedule: 2012-2022

Year1 Plan Plan

Area2

NRCS Task

Number Treatment3 Acres Amount4 Status Comments

All Forest 1,2,3 n/a Yankee Woodlot Tours --- --- --

Tours to be scheduled throughout the plan period

2008 WHIP, NEC 4b 1 Brush hog- medium mechanical 0.6 $167.68 Done

2008 WHIP, NEC 4b 2 Spot spray invasive exotics 0.6 $85.50 Done

2009 WHIP, NEC 2b 5 Apple tree release (8 total) -- $156.56 Done See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2009 WHIP, NEC 2b 6 Brush piles (6 total) 25.8 $790.47 Done See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2009 WHIP, NEC 4b 4 Herbicide planting spots 0.6 $59.00 Done

2009 WHIP, NEC 2b 3 Mechanically remove predator perch trees (15 total) & invasives

0.0 $249.52 Done See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2010 WHIP, NEC 4b 8 Plant bare-root shrubs 0.6 $2,783.35 Done

2011 WHIP, NEC 2a 12 Apple tree release (8 total) 0.1 $157.00 --

2011 WHIP, NEC 2a 10 Brush mowing- heavy mechanical 2.0 $1,997.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2011 WHIP, NEC 2a 13 Brush piles (5 total) 0.1 $659.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2012 Forest 1,2 n/a Yankee Woodlot harvest 25.8 +$4,000 Done Completed 2012

2012 WHIP, NEC 1 18 Brush hog- medium mechanical 3.0 $839.00 -- Posts and signs to delineate from remainder of Monarch Field?

2012 WHIP, NEC 2a 19 Brush hog- medium mechanical 1.0 $280.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2012 WHIP, NEC 4a 17 Brush hog- medium mechanical 2.4 $671.00 -- On GIS this block is 4.6 acres - only field portion to be treated? yes

2012 WHIP, NEC 4d 14 Brush hog- medium mechanical 0.5 $140.00 --

2012 WHIP, NEC 2a 9 Brush mowing- heavy mechanical 2.0 $1,997.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2012 WHIP, NEC 4d 16 Brush mowing- heavy mechanical 0.5 $500.00 --

2012 WHIP, NEC 4d 23 Herbicide planting spots 0.5 $49.00 --

2012 WHIP, NEC 2a 7 Mechanically remove predator perch trees (15 total)& invasives

0.2 $250.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2012 WHIP, NEC 1 20 Spot spray invasive exotics 3.0 $428.00 --

2012 WHIP, NEC 2a 11 Spot spray invasive exotics 2.0 $285.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2012 WHIP, NEC 2a 21 Spot spray invasive exotics 1.0 $143.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2012 WHIP, NEC 4a 22 Spot spray invasive exotics 2.4 $342.00 --

2012 WHIP, NEC 4d 15 Spot spray invasive exotics 0.5 $72.00 --

43

Year1 Plan Plan

Area2

NRCS Task

Number Treatment3 Acres Amount4 Status Comments

2012 Field All n/a Biennial mowing per plan schedule

--- Staff --- Track mowing by field and year

2013 Forest 1,2,3 n/a Complete Yankee Woodlot demonstration plan and materials

N/A See grant -- See Project Canopy Grant information

2013 Forest 1,2,3 n/a Yankee Woodlot Spot spray invasive exotics

32.5 $14,133 --

2013 Forest 1 n/a Yankee Woodlot permanent wildlife opening

0.34 See grant -- See Project Canopy Grant information

2013 WHIP, NEC 1 24 Brush hog- medium mechanical 1.5 $420.00 --

2013 WHIP, NEC 4a 26 Herbicide planting spots 2.4 $236.00 --

2013 WHIP, NEC 2a 27 Plant bare-root shrubs 1.0 $4,292.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2013 WHIP, NEC 4d 28 Plant bare-root shrubs 0.5 $2,146.00 --

2013 WHIP, NEC 1 25 Spot spray invasive exotics 1.5 $214.00 --

2013 Forest 3 n/a Yankee Woodlot stand 3 trail --- See grant -- See Project Canopy Grant information

2012 Field/NEC All n/a Mark line between mow and no-mow areas

--- Staff ---

Stake or otherwise mark boundary between biennial mowing and other shrub/field areas, including WHIP, SH, OF, and Mossy Bog map units

2013 Field All n/a Biennial mowing per plan schedule

--- Staff --- Track mowing by field and year

2013 All All --- Monitoring- see monitoring plan --- --- ---

2014 WHIP, NEC 4a 29 Plant bare-root shrubs 2.4 $10,300.00 --

2014 Field All n/a Biennial mowing per plan schedule

--- Staff --- Track mowing by field and year

2014 All -- n/a Follow-up invasive plant treatments as needed

* * * *See Invasive Plant Treatments table

2014 All All --- Monitoring- see monitoring plan --- --- ---

2015 WHIP, NEC 4c 33 Brush hog- medium mechanical 1.6 $448.00 --

2015 WHIP, NEC 2b 30 Brush mowing- heavy mechanical 2.0 $1,997.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2015 WHIP, NEC 2b 31 Brush mowing- heavy mechanical 2.0 $1,997.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2015 WHIP, NEC 2b 32 Spot spray invasive exotics 2.0 $285.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2015 WHIP, NEC 4c 34 Spot spray invasive exotics 1.6 $228.00 --

2015 Field All n/a Biennial mowing per plan schedule

--- Staff --- Track mowing by field and year

2015 Forest 1 or 2 n/a Yankee Woodlot deer exclosure TBD TBD --

44

Year1 Plan Plan

Area2

NRCS Task

Number Treatment3 Acres Amount4 Status Comments

2015 All All --- Monitoring- see monitoring plan --- --- ---

2016 WHIP, NEC 2b 35 Brush hog- medium mechanical 2.0 $280.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2016 WHIP, NEC 4c 37 Brush mowing- heavy mechanical 2.0 $1,997.00 --

2016 WHIP, NEC 3a 38 Herbicide planting spots 0.7 $69.00 --

2016 WHIP, NEC 4c 39 Herbicide planting spots 3.6 $353.00 --

2016 WHIP, NEC 2b 36 Spot spray invasive exotics 2.0 $143.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2016 Field All n/a Biennial mowing per plan schedule

--- Staff --- Track mowing by field and year

2016 All -- n/a Follow-up invasive plant treatments as needed

* * * *See Invasive Plant Treatments table

2016 Forest NEC* n/a

Develop plan to implement NEC secondary patches

TBD TBD * Review progress on NEC 2a/2b patches and develop plan for other patches in second half of planning period.

2016 Forest Inv* n/a

Plan invasive plant treatments in all Priority 2 areas

TBD UP to 108

acres

* Priority 2 invasive treatments: Prioritize areas within this group and develop control plan

2016 Integrate

d Plan See plan

2

Plan invasive plant treatments in OF-1, OF-3, OF-4, SH-1, SH-2, and

mossy bog 9.9 TBD

Priority 2 invasive treatments: Prioritize areas within this group and develop control plan

2016 All All --- Monitoring- see monitoring plan --- --- ---

2017 WHIP, NEC 2b 40 Plant bare-root shrubs 2.0 $4,292.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2017 WHIP, NEC 3a 41 Plant bare-root shrubs 0.7 $3,004.00 --

2017 WHIP, NEC 4c 42 Plant bare-root shrubs 3.6 $15,449.00 --

2017 Field All n/a Biennial mowing per plan schedule

--- Staff --- Track mowing by field and year

2017 Integrate

d Plan

OF & SH

n/a Mow shrubs if needed- OF-1, OF-3, OF-4, SH-1, SH-2, mossy bog

Consider period shrub mowing on 5-15 year cycle to maintain shrub habitat for NEC

2017 Integrate

d Plan

Mossy Bog

n/a Mow or cut shrubs if needed Mow on dry or frozen ground only. See this

report for details.

2017 Forest * n/a Boundary line maintenance TBD TBD -- *Refer to forest plan

2017 All All --- Monitoring- see monitoring plan --- --- ---

2018 WHIP, NEC 2b 43 Brush mowing- heavy mechanical 2.0 $1,997.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2018 WHIP, NEC 2b 44 Brush mowing- heavy mechanical 2.0 $1,997.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2018 WHIP, NEC 2b 45 Spot spray invasive exotics 2.0 $285.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

45

Year1 Plan Plan

Area2

NRCS Task

Number Treatment3 Acres Amount4 Status Comments

2018 Field All n/a Biennial mowing per plan schedule

--- Staff --- Track mowing by field and year

2018 All -- n/a Follow-up invasive plant treatments as needed

* * * *See Invasive Plant Treatments table

2018 All All --- Monitoring- see monitoring plan --- --- ---

2019 WHIP, NEC 2b 47 Brush hog- medium mechanical 2.0* $280.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2019 WHIP, NEC 2b 48 Spot spray invasive exotics 2.0* $143.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2019 Field All n/a Biennial mowing per plan schedule

--- Staff --- Track mowing by field and year

2019 All All --- Monitoring- see monitoring plan --- --- ---

2020 WHIP, NEC 2b 50 Plant bare-root shrubs 2.0** $4,292.00 -- See Forest plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4

2020 Field All n/a Biennial mowing per plan schedule

--- Staff --- Track mowing by field and year

2020 All -- n/a Follow-up invasive plant treatments as needed

* * * *See Invasive Plant Treatments table

2020 All --- n/a Consider feasibility of treating invasive plant Priority 3 areas

* * * *See Invasive Plant Treatments table

2020 All All --- Monitoring- see monitoring plan --- --- ---

2021 WHIP, NEC 3b 46 Herbicide planting spots 2.7 $265.00 --

2021 Field All n/a Biennial mowing per plan schedule

--- Staff --- Track mowing by field and year

2021 All All --- Monitoring- see monitoring plan --- --- ---

2022 WHIP, NEC 3b 49 Plant bare-root shrubs 2.7 $11,587.00 --

2022 Integrate

d Plan

OF & SH

n/a Mow shrubs if needed- OF-1, OF-3, OF-4, SH-1, SH-2

Consider period shrub mowing on 5-15 year cycle to maintain shrub habitat for NEC

2022 Integrate

d Plan

Mossy Bog

n/a Mow or cut shrubs if needed Mow on dry or frozen ground only. See this

report for details.

2022 Field All n/a Biennial mowing per plan schedule

--- Staff --- Track mowing by field and year

2022 All -- n/a Follow-up invasive plant treatments as needed

* * * *See Invasive Plant Treatments table

2022 All All --- Monitoring- see monitoring plan --- --- ---

Table footnotes:

1. Year: for WHIP, "Year” is Year listed on contract document.

46

2. Plan map unit: refer to maps from referenced plan for area number and location. Note that in some cases the WHIP/NEC plan and the forest plans use the same map unit number for different areas.

3. For treatment details, refer to technical plan and WHIP contract for detailed objectives and procedures. 4. WHIP costs based on NRCS contract. Estimated cost of invasive plant treatment in forest areas based on WHIP rate - actual costs to be determined by

consulting with contractors. - Invasive Plants – See Invasive Plants Treatments table TBD: To be determined. A mid-plan check (2016) is planned to prioritize and schedule “TBD” tasks. ** NRCS Contract says 1.0 acres, Wells Reserve internal spreadsheet says 2.0 acres.

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Appendix III. Shrubland and Field Management Table

Area Integrated Plan

Habitat Acres Management

Fields Laudholm Grassland 13.58 Mow every other year

Lord 1 Grassland 5.89 Mow every other year

Lord 2 Grassland 4.50 Mow every other year

Middle Grassland 4.85 Mow every other year

Monarch Grassland 11.14 Mow every other year

Muskie Grassland 2.39 Mow every other year

Skinner Grassland 10.52 Mow every other year

Old Field and

Shrubland

Mossy Bog

Old Field 5.07 Mow periodically to control shrubs and maintain open/low-shrub conditions for bog plants

PFW-1 Old Field 1.43 No mow to support New England Cottontail management. Early successional management practices as funds allow.

OF-1 Old Field 0.32 Maintain as old-field patch and/or garden

OF-2 Old Field 2.25 Maintain as old field/young shrub habitat with long interval (5-10years) between brush mowing to support New England Cottontail management.

SH-1 Shrubland 0.34 Manage in conjunction with adjacent shrub area 10a (See New England Cottontail secondary patches and invasive plant treatment schedule.

SH-2 Shrubland 0.44 Manage in conjunction with Area 1 of the WHIP/New England Cottontail management plan and control invasive shrubs.

Campus

Campus 1 Open 10.81 Annual mowing

Campus 2 Developed 2.82 Mow as needed. Develop long-term plan to replace Norway maples with native species.

WHIP/NEC Habitats

1 WHIP Shrubland 11.14 WHIP/NEC Plan

3a WHIP Old Field 0.56 WHIP/NEC Plan

3b WHIP Old Field 2.47 WHIP/NEC Plan

4a WHIP Shrubland 4.10 WHIP/NEC Plan

4b WHIP Shrubland 0.40 WHIP/NEC Plan

4c WHIP Shrubland 4.05 WHIP/NEC Plan

4d WHIP Shrubland 0.10 WHIP/NEC Plan

2a WHIP and 2b WHIP

Shrubland 6 WHIP/NEC Plan and Forest Plan

Secondary NEC

Patches

Shrubland and Forest

--- WHIP/NEC Plan and Forest Plan

48

Appendix IV. Invasive Plant Treatments See footnotes for explanations.

Year Plan Plan Area Priority Treatment Acres Rate Amount Completed?

2008 WHIP, NEC

4b 1 spot spray 0.6 $85.50 Yes

2012 WHIP, NEC

1 1 spot spray 3.0 $428.00

2012 WHIP, NEC

2a 1 spot spray 2.0 $285.00

2012 WHIP, NEC

2a 1 spot spray 1.0 $143.00

2012 WHIP, NEC

4a 1 spot spray 2.4 $342.00

2012 WHIP, NEC

4d 1 spot spray 0.5 $72.00

2013 Forest 1 1 spot spray 12.1 434.86 $5,262

2013 Forest 2 1 spot &mist

spray 13.7 434.86 $5,958

2013 Forest 3 1 spot spray 6.7 434.86 $2,914

2013 WHIP, NEC

1 1 spot spray 1.5 $214.00

2015 WHIP, NEC

2b 1 spot spray 2.0 $285.00

2015 WHIP, NEC

4c 1 spot spray 1.6 $228.00

2015 Forest 4, 5a, 5b,

7c, 24 1 spot spray 39.9 434.86 $17,351

2016 WHIP, NEC

2b 1 spot spray 2.0 $143.00

2017 Forest 6, 6a, 7a,

7b, 9 2

Mechanical & spray TBD

18.7 989.41 $18,502

2018 WHIP, NEC

2b 1 spot spray 2.0 $285.00

2019 WHIP, NEC

2b 1 spot spray 2.0 $143.00

2016 Plan Forest 10a 2 spot spray 6.1 434.86 $2,653

2016 Plan Forest 13b 2 spot spray 11.6 989.41 $11,477

2016 Plan Forest 13c 2 spot spray 1.8 989.41 $1,781

2016 Plan Forest 13d 2 spot spray 5.1 434.86 $2,218

2016 Plan Forest 15 2 spot spray & mechanical

3.1 434.86 $1,348

2016 Plan Forest 16 2 Spot,

mechanical,& mist

9.9 434.86 $4,305

2016 Plan Forest 18a 2 mechanical 9.6 686.83 $6,594

2016 Plan Forest 18b 2 mechanical 6.4 686.83 $4,396

49

Year Plan Plan Area Priority Treatment Acres Rate Amount Completed?

2016 Plan Forest 19a 2 mechanical 10.0 686.83 $6,868

2016 Plan Forest 19b 2 mechanical 8.4 686.83 $5,769

2016 Plan Forest 21 2 spot spray 2.6 434.86 $1,131

2016 Plan Forest 22 2 spot spray 8.3 434.86 $3,609

2016 Plan Forest 25 2 spot spray 3.0 434.86 $1,305

2020 Plan Forest 8 3 spot spray 19.6 989.41 $19,393

2020 Plan Forest 08A 3 spot spray 5.8 434.86 $2,522

2020 Plan Forest 10 3 spot spray 5.0 989.41 $4,947

2020 Plan Forest 12 3 spot spray 1.5 434.86 $652

2020 Plan Forest 13a 3 spot spray 1.8 989.41 $1,781

2020 Plan Forest 14a 3 spot spray 12.9 434.86 $5,610

2020 Plan Forest 14b 3 spot spray 8.4 434.86 $3,653

2020 Plan Forest 14c 3 spot spray 4.1 434.86 $1,783

2020 Plan Forest 20 3 spot spray 4.9 989.41 $4,848

2020 Plan Forest 23a 3 spot spray 12.7 434.86 $5,523

2020 Plan Forest 23b 3 spot spray 1.0 434.86 $435

2020 Plan Forest 23c 3 spot spray 2.9 434.86 $1,261

2020 Plan Forest BB-1 3 spot spray 1.4 434.86 $609

2020 Plan Forest BB-2 3 spot spray 4.0 434.86 $1,739

2020 Plan Forest BB-3 3 spot spray 1.0 434.86 $435

2020 Plan Forest NEC

Secondary Patches

3 spot spray 10.0 434.86 $4,349

2014-2022 All All --- Follow-up

treatments as needed

TBD See note

See note

Table Footnotes

See Forest Plan, NEC Patches 1,2,3,4 for location of these treatment areas

Acres per applicable plan (Forest, WHIP/NEC)

Rates: o WIP/NEC rates per WHIP grant. Forest plan rates per 2013 NRCS Maine EQIP rate table. EQIP payment rates

are 70% of NRCS estimated total costs. NRCS estimated total costs were used for this table. Actual rates may vary.

o Spot spray treatment costs are based on NRCS “Chemical Moderate with Follow-up” and “Chemical Difficult with Follow-up.” RCNWR rate based on NRCS “Medium mechanical”. This rates assume a follow-up treatment.

2016 Plan. Prioritize remaining Priority 2 treatment areas within this group and develop control plan. Total acres to be determined based on Priority 2 control plan. Total costs will vary accordingly.

2020 Plan. Consider treating Priority 3 areas only Priority 1 and 2 areas have been treated and monitored with follow-up as needed. . Total acres to be determined based on Priority 3 control plan. Total costs will vary accordingly.

2014-20122 Follow-up treatments. Treated areas are likely to need some sort of follow-up treatment. The location and extent can only be determined by monitoring effectiveness of controls. All Forest Plan rates used in the table assume one follow-up treatment. WHIP/ NEC Plan does not include follow-up.

TBD: To be determined

See Forest Plan, NEC/WHIP, and Integrated Plan for details.

50

Appendix V. Activity Plan Template – Forest, Shrub, and Field Habitats Use this template for all management, education, and research activities other than herbicide control of invasive plants. It is recommended that Wells Reserve copy this template and adapt the format and content as needed. Date: Prepared by: Reviewed by: Planned Activity: Extent (acres, linear feet, number, etc.): Location (Plan name and Map unit number): Briefly describe how this fits in with planned activities in the Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan or supporting technical plan, including: a) Specific recommendations for this area included in the plans: b) How this will maintain, restore, or enhance priority habitats and species identified in the Integrated Plan. : Checklist of resources of concern (complete)

Check if Present

Resource of Concern Describe: Conservation measures to be

applied (add narrative below as needed)

Rare, threatened or

endangered species or habitat

Stream

Vernal pool within 400 ft.

Wetland

Research area

Public use area

Rachel Carson NWR lands

Other

Invasive plants

Maine or Federal Endangered Species Act review needed? (For example: activities in/near New England cottontail habitat that are included in current Incidental Take review or other approvals) Town or State permits or review needed? (For example: Shoreland Zoning, Natural Resource Protection Act, forestry stream crossing, forestry timber harvest notification, etc.):

51

Should neighbors or other stakeholders be consulted? If invasive plants are present, describe how activity will attempt to minimize spread and any control measures that will be needed: Detailed description of planned management (method, materials, season, skills needed, desired outcome, etc.): Who will do this work (e.g., staff, contractor, trained volunteer, etc.): Precautions to address sensitive features or impacts to abutters or other human uses: Monitoring plan (during and after management): Long-term monitoring needed: Attach photos- before, during, and at completion of activity. Attach map: attach a map of the plan area showing extent of activities and sensitive sites.

52

Appendix VI. Activity Plan Template – Herbicide Use for Invasive Plant Control

This template includes information that should be recorded when planning and monitoring use of herbicides for control of invasive plants. It is recommended that Wells Reserve copy this template and adapt the format and content as needed.

Date: Prepared by: Reviewed by: Planned activity: Planed treatment extent (acres): Location (Map name and Map unit number): Briefly describe how this fits in with planned activities in the Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan or supporting technical plan, including: a) Specific recommendations for this area included in the plans: b) How this will maintain, restore, or enhance priority habitats and species identified in the INTEGRATED PLAN: Alternatives to herbicide use considered: Are these the least toxic chemicals that can be feasibly used? Explain. Prescription (briefly describe): Summary of planned chemical use:

Product Name1

Active ingredient

Active ingredient percent2

Application rate3

Target Species

Method (e.g., foliar spray, but

stem, basal bark)

Total Area

Planned

1. Product name. This is the “brand name.” Be specific as to which version (for example, there are many varieties of “Roundup.” 2. Percent of active ingredient in the “product.” 3. Application rate. Percent mix of product (not active ingredient) with carrier. If broadcast spraying, (not backpack or hand spraying) total per acre planned if broadcast spray (not applicable for backpack or hand spraying).

53

Checklist of resources of concern (complete):

Check if Present

Resource of Concern Describe: Conservation measures to be applied (add narrative

below as needed)

Rare, threatened or endangered species or habitat

Stream

Vernal pool within 400 ft.

Wetland

Research area

Public use area

Rachel Carson NWR lands

Other

Maine or Federal Endangered Species Act review needed? (For example: activities in/near New England cottontail habitat that are included in current Incidental Take review or other approvals) Town or State permits or review needed? (For example: Shoreland Zoning, Natural Resource Protection Act, forestry stream crossing, forestry timber harvest notification, etc.): Should neighbors or other stakeholders be consulted? Who will do this work (e.g., staff, licensed contractor, trained volunteer, etc.): Precautions to address sensitive features or impacts to abutters or other human uses: Describe number and type of follow-up treatments expected (number of years, acres, etc.): Monitoring plan (during and after management): Map: attach a map of the plan area showing extent of activities and sensitive sites.

54

Appendix VII. Herbicide Use Monitoring Form Site: Applicators:

Date Begin/End

Time Wind/Weather

Product Name1

Active ingredient

Active ingredient percent2

Application rate3

Method (e.g., foliar spray,

but stem, basal bark)

Amount of Product

Used

Total Area Treated

1. Product name. This is the “brand name.” Be specific as to which version (for example, there are many varieties of “Roundup.” 2. Percent of active ingredient in the “product.” 3. Application rate. Percent mix of product (not active ingredient) with carrier. If broadcast spraying, (not backpack or hand spraying) total per acre planned if broadcast spray (not applicable for backpack or hand spraying).

Spills, worker exposure to chemicals, etc.: Attach a map of the treated area. Optional: Photos before, during, and at completion of activity. Other Comments: